Roland's Tabletop Sequencing Sampler Just Got Better!

Roland's SP404 series has long set the standard for stand-alone sequencing samplers. The latest incarnation, the SP404SX, adds SDHC card support for up to 48 hours of mono samples, 16-bit linear sampling, improved DSP effects, and smooth FX switching in one portable, performance-ready device.

All-In-One Sampling Workstation

The SP404SX is a great tool for DJs, radio and theater pros, and beat producers alike. This workhorse beat-maker gives you touch access to samples on 12 large, velocity-sensitive sample pads. The SP404SX supports SDHC cards up to 32 GB, so you can store up to 24 hours of stereo sound or 48 hours of monaural sound per SD card. Whether you're just looking to add simple sound effects to your show, or you're into professional beat production, the SP404SX is a powerful, portable sampling tool that's sure to elevate your performance.

Performance-Ready Platform

It only takes seconds to get to work with the SP404SX. Just assign samples to pads via a connected SD card, or record samples with the built-in microphone or from an external device via the RCA input. You've got 12 velocity-sensitive sample pads and 10 sample banks, so that's 120 samples or patterns per SD card -- plenty of room to express yourself with the SP404SX. You can set the sample mode to trigger once when you press the pad, trigger only while you hold the pad down, or loop on repeat. Hit the Sub Pad to trigger drum rolls. Manipulate your samples with one of the 29 onboard DSP-based effects. The unit is battery-powered too, so it's easy to set up -- whether you're performing on stage or on the street.

Versatile Sequencing Sampler

When you're ready to start making beats, turn on the sequencer, set the desired number of measures and BPM, and hit record. Use the sample pads to create your groove one layer at a time. Enter quantize mode, and your samples will automatically beat-sync to a user-specified BPM and note interval -- or trigger samples on the fly at your own tempo. Add effects like Subsonic to give your sample a bass boost or simulate DJ effects with DJFX Looper. With this versatile sampler, your options are unlimited.

Instant Sampling

Sample anywhere, anytime using the SP-404SX's built-in microphone. And since the SP-404SX can run on AC or battery power (six AA batteries), it's easy to record wherever and whenever inspiration strikes. Just power-up, point, and record. Line and mic inputs are also available for recording direct or with an external microphone. The SP-404SX's sampling format is uncompressed wave for high-quality audio capture.

Hands-On Performance

The SP-404SX is made to be played -- it's packed with interactive controls for jamming along with loops and patterns. Put your fingers on the three non-slip control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering in real time. On dark stages or DJ booths, the SP-404SX is a performers dream with its illuminated rubber pads and bright LED screen.

Extreme Effects

Create a signature sound using the SP-404SX's 29 DSP effects, which switch seamlessly during live performance. Essential onboard effects include spacious reverbs and choruses, plus filters and delays. There are also unique, esoteric effects built in, including a voice transformer and looper. With the DJFX Looper, you can create short loops (such as machine-gun-like "da-da-da-da-da" sounds) and control reverse-playback with the knob. You can also create scratch effects like a turntable. Connect the SP-404SX to a DJ mixer and use it as an effect processor. Seventeen of the effects have a "limiter" mode, which keeps the effects from overloading. This is great for live DJ performance when you don't want to lose control of the effects in the heat of the moment.

Trackbuilder

In addition to the endless supply of loops you can pack into the SP-404SX, you can also create your own tracks in real time with the Pattern Sequencer, complete with quantize mode, which includes shuffle feels. Creating patterns is done in real time. You can loop two measures (maximum 99 measures), for example, then play and record only the bass drum and the snare. Next, add the hi-hat over the top, and keep adding more instruments while the SP-404SX loops. You can store 120 patterns (12 patterns x 10 banks). When you play a pattern with the Pattern Sequencer, the LEDs surrounding the display blink according to the tempo, which is handy during live performance.

SD Card Memory

Start sampling right away with the included 1GB SD card. You can easily expand the sampling time using up to 32GB SDHC. Import audio files from your computer using the included software (Mac/PC) and assign them to the SP-404SX's pads. WAV and AIFF files are accepted. The software is fast and easy to use, as it displays the SP-404SX's pads onscreen. You can even use it to convert SP-404 format files to the SP-404SX.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Love this thing. Use it everyday"

Sound:
Sound is great! What ever sample you put in, it will spit out exactly.
Only takes WAVs so the quality is high, but so is the file size.
My 404-sx came with a 1GB card so space isn't really an issue.
FX are amazing as well.
Feature:
So many features!!
Great FX which are easy to use.
Other features, such as pattern creation, are good but difficult to use.
(Creating Patterns takes 17 steps which makes it impractical to do on the fly.)
Love that its battery powered! Makes gigging so much easier.
The one thing thats weird is that the in/outputs are RCA...
Which means i had to go out and buy some more cables that i didn't already have.
Ease of Use:
Putting the samples in and assigning them to pads is a breeze. Very very easy with the included software.
The manual is easy to read and straight forward. Some of the functions/features require too many steps to be done during live performance.
But over all i was playing with my own samples in about 15 minutes after buying it.
The message screen can be quite cryptic but after a while of using it, you just start to memorize what they mean. Plus there is a guide in the manual that explains them all.
(The other day i let my 8 yr old cousin play with it. He was having a blast switching between banks and even applying some FX.)
Quality:
This thing is rock solid. Love the material of the body, the pads are great, the buttons are great, and the knobs are solid as well.
Very very well made and sturdy.
Its big enough be comfortable to use with 2 hands but small enough to fit in a book bag along side my laptop.
You will not be disappointed by the build of this thing.
Value:
Not really sure considering the fact that this is the only sampler I've used/bought.
But that being said, I DO believe its worth every penny. I use it everyday and it always holds up to my expectations.
And because the build of such great quality, I'd say I'll be using it for much longer.
Zzounds.com let me make payments which was a life-saver.
But still, $500 can be a lot for some people.
Manufacturer Support:
Haven't needed it yet but if the manual and the emails i get from roland are any indication, I'll bet their support is of great quality.
The Wow Factor:
After watching some youtube reviews of the product i started looking around.
Decided to get it off zzounds.com because of their financing options. (4 smaller payments).
Use it every day.
My DJ/musician friends are always jealous and want to play with it too.
Overall:
Giving it a 8/10 because:
Pros:
Meets my musical needs/expectations
For the most part, very easy to use
VERY sturdy build
Battery powered (Too often i show up to gigs and there's no outlets left. With only 6 AA batteries this thing runs for a while.)
Cons:
Can only use 1 effect at a time.
Its $500 (Even though its worth it, its still a little pricey)
Some function use is very convoluted.
Message screen can be a little cryptic.
RCA input/output. Kind of odd...
***8/10 means that a 10/10 would be perfect. Considering that, an 8/10 is pretty damn good.

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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Good choice for live band requirements."

Sound:
The Roland is able to accurately represent the sound quality of your sample.
Feature:
Sounds editing features are good. Good user manual. RCA inputs / outputs seem a little outdated but nothing a few adapters can't fix.
I wish it had USB interface. The software is useful but again, seems a little dated. Looks like the application was developed by a summer intern. 2011 and we can't get USB interface and drag and drop function or a text field to see our patches? For almost 500 bucks I think Roland should have stepped up here. The amount of sound editing features makes up for the 1990's PC interface.
I wish it had a 'jingle' mode where you could hit the button and allow the sample to play 1 time. It does allow this by hitting 2 buttons. (hold sample trigger then tap the 'hold' button.)
Ease of Use:
The sheer amount of buttons / options made me nervous but I was able to get up and running instantly. A quick scan of the useful manual led me to discover all the options.
Quality:
Mine is pretty new but it seems pretty well built. These samplers haven't changed too much over the years and they seem to have a good reputation so I'm hoping for the best. A hard protective case would probably be a good investment for this device.
Value:
I personally think Roland products have a premium price. I am not loyal to the brand and will often shop around for similar products but in many cases Roland seems like the right choice. In this case there were limited options available. This unit doesn't have the limitations on sample length and banks that the other devices do.
Manufacturer Support:
I've never had to call Roland support for anything.
The Wow Factor:
I'll bet they could make this device smaller but that would have an impact on how useful the large trigger buttons are. It's still small enough it could work with limited real estate. I 'attached' it to the second tier of a 2 tier keyboard stand. The interactive blue / red light is simple but sexy. I only found one other sampler product out there with SD card capability... really??! Maybe some of those modern digital turntables have the ability but that didn't fit my needs.
Overall:
I expect another revision of this device is coming soon, however, I think the 404sx however will be in my gear for a long time. I can see why the same sampler structure has been used for so many years. The button layouts make sense for it's intended purpose. There are plenty of banks for samples. The storage capacity is HUGE with the SD card option. The lighting is useful on stage. Sure, you may have to dig through your old collection of RCA patch cables and may have a little extra noise to contend with by introducing additional adapters to the signal path.

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